Ski team helps its own

By Lisa KellyAsst. Director, JJST

The most wonderful thing about being a member of the Johnsville Junior Ski Team is not just getting to ski with friends and family on the weekends; not just the feeling of accomplishment when crossing the finish line; and not just the confidence and self-esteem from participating in a team sport, even though these are all the things we can talk about, laugh about and share with one another.

Above all, the most wonderful thing about being on the Johnsville Junior Ski Team is the emotional wealth of an extended family and the never-ending support that is offered in times of tears and testing of faith. It is the prayer, love and caring that is ever-present when there are so few answers to be had. It is the joy of sharing your love and compassion with a friend in need.

Jedidiah Lusk, a JJST racer for the team Fire on Ice, (which his father, Scott, is the coach of), has been diagnosed with a tumor on his brain stem that is currently considered inoperable. The final prognosis is yet to be determined by the physicians who are working with Jedidiah and his family.

Jedidiah is at UC Davis in Sacramento. You can keep in touch with him at caringbridge.org/visit/jedidiahlusk/journal and follow his progress as his sister, Jessica, blogs every day.

Donations are gratefully accepted at the Jedidiah Wellness Fund at Plumas Bank, (530) 283-6800. Get Well cards can be sent to P.O. Box 30053, Cromberg, CA 96103. Jedidiah can also be reached at the Davis Tower, (916) 703-8074.

The Johnsville Junior Ski Team and The Plumas Ski Club are holding a drawing to benefit Jedidiah and his family. You can purchase tickets for $5 each or five tickets for $20 at Central Plumas Recreation and Parks District and the Quincy Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to the generosity of the members of the Plumas Ski Club, the grand prize is: A gift certificate for a night for two at the Resort at Squaw Creek, two Alpine Meadows adult lift tickets, and a gift basket including wine, cheese, crackers, smoked salmon, capers and gourmet chocolate.

You can also buy tickets at the JJST races March 6 at Soda Springs.

The drawing will be held March 13 at the Alpine Meadows race, so there will be time to get in some amazing spring skiing.

For more information, call Lisa Kelly at 283-3956 or 775-232-9536.

“Thanks to those of you who contributed to this lovely child's campaign for life,” said Kelly. “Support Jedidiah on his journey back to the race course.”

The local Harley club is holding a breakfast Saturday, March 6, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Grange Hall in Quincy. Half the proceeds will go to Jedidiah.

The Quincy High School ski team is leaving that Saturday for the state championships at Shasta, but they will stop by for breakfast on their way out of town.